Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena – Oklahoma City, OK
When: Sunday, April 23, 2017, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Houston Rockets (+1.5) at Oklahoma City Thunder (-1.5); total: 224.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
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Betting on the Houston Rockets (+1.5)
The Houston Rockets came up just short of taking a commanding 3-0 series lead as they fell 115-113 in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. James Harden powered the Rockets offense with 44 points, while Lou Williams had 22 points off the bench and Ryan Anderson added 18.
The fact that the Rockets and the Thunder played a close game shouldn’t be any surprise at this point. Of their seven meetings this season, five of them have been within four points or fewer. The Rockets are 5-2 ATS in those games, and are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games against OKC.
The Rockets just have so many weapons offensively compared to OKC that they can always stick around and be one big run away from either winning or covering. Patrick Beverley was limited to just one point after putting up 36 over the first two games. Expect a bit more production from him, as well as Trevor Ariza (7 points, 2-9 FG) heading into Game 4.
Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder (-1.5)
Russell Westbrook got some help from his Thunder teammates for a change in Game 3. Russ was his usual great self with a 32-13-13 triple-double, but Taj Gibson came out of nowhere to put up 20 points. Meanwhile, Andre Roberson and Victor Oladipo put up identical lines of 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-3 3-PT FG) and 6 rebounds.
Credit has to go to Thunder head coach Billy Donovan for setting his rotation just right. He finally took away the minutes of Domantas Sabonis, Kyle Singler and Semaj Christon and gave them to shooters in Doug McDermott and Alex Abrines, who helped space the floor for OKC on offense. As a result, the Thunder shot an impressive 55 percent from the field in Game 3.
The Thunder obviously don’t have the weapons the Rockets have on offense, but Donovan is pretty cllose to maxing out the available talent at his disposal. And yet, they still won by just two points at home, which has to be a bit worrying. Both of the Thunder’s wins over the Rockets this season have been by just two points.
The chances of OKC playing that much better on offense just don’t seem to be all that high, where as the Rockets – who went 10-of-35 from 3 – may have another gear they can reach.
Writer’s Prediction
The Rockets (+1.5) blow by Westbrook and the Thunder as they win outright on the road.
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